In the first half of 2010, companies in Switzerland's mechanical and electrical engineering industries (MEM industries) benefited from the improved economic situation in their key markets, posting a higher level of both domestic (16.7%) and international (14.8%) new orders. Nevertheless, due to the negative sales performance year-on-year (­5.0%) and the strong Swiss franc, the situation remains difficult and companies are cautious in their long-term guidance. Furthermore, the companies of the Swiss MEM industries are firmly opposed to the excessive, additional burden that would be placed on employers and employees should the proposals to reform the unemployment insurance system be rejected.